VERRUCA TREATMENT
Embrace comfortable, healthy feet. Our specialised verruca treatments offer relief from the discomfort and embarrassment caused by these common foot nuisances.
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WHAT IS A VERRUCA?
Verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a common type of wart that appears on the foot and can be highly contagious to those susceptible to the infection. Verrucas are generally harmless but can cause discomfort, especially when located on weight-bearing areas of the foot. They are common, and most people will experience a verruca at some point in their lives.
Typically, a verruca presents as a circular patch of rough skin on the sole of the foot, and can also manifest between the toes and on the side of the foot. These warts may feature small black dots, which can be dried blood within the capillaries, and their surface often resembles that of a cauliflower, with colours ranging from yellow and brown to grey or even red.
Regular foot examinations are essential for early detection of verrucae, facilitating prompt and appropriate treatment. Being highly contagious, this type of wart spreads through direct contact, particularly if the individual is not immune to the infection. Walking barefoot in areas where the infection is present can lead to the spread of the virus. Without professional treatment, the virus causing verrucae can persist for years.
WHAT CAUSES VERRUCAE?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the underlying cause of verrucae, also known as plantar warts. This virus is highly contagious and thrives in damp and moist environments, particularly for individuals who are not immune to the virus.
The formation of a verruca begins in the outer layers of the skin. Due to the limited immune response in the epidermis, the body initially does not combat the infection. As the virus penetrates deeper into the skin, it deactivates the marker cells responsible for alerting the body’s immune response, allowing the infection to establish itself unnoticed. By the time the verruca becomes noticeable, which can take up to eight months, the infection is already well established.
While anyone can develop a verruca, they are most prevalent among children. If left untreated, verrucae can rapidly multiply into clusters of mosaic warts, which can be challenging to eliminate and may cause embarrassment. In children, evidence suggests that most cases resolve on their own within a two-year period without any form of treatment.
HOW CAN VERRUCA BE TREATED?
Verrucae can spread easily, so it’s important to be aware of your treatment options. Generally, if the verruca isn’t causing discomfort, treatment may not be necessary. However, if you wish to have the verrucae removed due to discomfort or if they are beginning to spread, it’s crucial to seek professional advice before starting any treatment.
For individuals with specific medical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, circulatory issues, compromised immunity, or long-term medication use, consulting a podiatrist for verruca removal is essential for optimal results.
Treatment with Acid-Based Solutions
The acid-based treatments used for verrucae are notably stronger than over-the-counter remedies. Given the corrosive nature of acids, it is imperative that this treatment is administered by a Podiatrist. The application of acids may require multiple sessions to eliminate the infected tissue.
The acid works to destroy the infected cells, which can then be removed by a professional. The treatment can be relatively painless, allowing for some activities such as swimming to continue. However, it’s important to keep the foot dry for 1-3 days post-treatment.
VERRUCA NEEDLING
Verruca needling is a minor surgical procedure that is particularly effective for long-standing warts. Conducted under local anaesthesia, it involves puncturing the verruca multiple times using a sterilised needle. This process pushes the virus into the dermis, prompting the body’s immune system to detect and eliminate the virus.
Verruca needling is often employed when other treatment methods have proven ineffective. In most instances, only one treatment is necessary, but post-treatment check-ups are required to monitor progress. As the area is fully numbed prior to the procedure, needling is generally painless and efficient. However, some soreness may be experienced for several days following the treatment, necessitating a 24-hour rest period.
VERRUCA SURGERY
Verruca surgery is a minor surgical procedure highly effective for stubborn verrucae. Performed under local anaesthesia, it entails the surgical removal of the wart and some surrounding skin. Depending on the size and location of the verruca, stitches may be necessary to close the skin after the procedure.
Verruca surgery is often employed when other treatments have been unsuccessful. While the foot is numbed during the procedure, some discomfort may be experienced for several days afterward, requiring a period of rest.
LET'S ANSWER YOUR VERRUCA QUESTIONS!
If a verruca is left untreated, it can potentially persist and even spread to other areas of the foot or to other individuals through direct or indirect contact. Additionally, untreated verrucae may cause discomfort or pain, particularly if they are located on weight-bearing areas of the foot. Over time, the verruca may increase in size and become more resilient, making it more challenging to treat. Furthermore, leaving a verruca untreated can lead to potential complications such as infection or the development of a cluster of verrucae known as a mosaic wart. Therefore, seeking appropriate treatment for verrucae is crucial to prevent these potential complications and to effectively manage the condition.
Verrucae may resolve on their own over time, but the duration can vary significantly from person to person. Some verrucae may disappear within a few months, while others can persist for years. The likelihood of spontaneous resolution depends on factors such as the individual’s immune system, the size and location of the verruca, and the specific strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) causing the wart. However, due to the potential for verrucae to persist and spread, seeking appropriate treatment is advisable to effectively manage the condition and minimise discomfort or potential complications.
To remove a verruca, there are several treatment options available. These may include over-the-counter topical treatments containing salicylic acid or cryotherapy, which involves freezing the verruca with liquid nitrogen. Additionally, Podiatrists can perform procedures such as verruca needling or surgical excision for more stubborn cases. It’s essential to consult a Podiatrist to determine the most suitable and effective treatment approach based on the specific characteristics of the verruca and individual health considerations.
To prevent a verruca from recurring, it’s important to take certain precautions. After successful treatment, it’s advisable to keep the feet clean and dry, change socks and shoes regularly, and avoid walking barefoot in public areas to minimise the risk of exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes verrucae. Additionally, individuals should refrain from picking or scratching existing verrucae to prevent spreading the virus to other areas of the foot. Strengthening the immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest may also contribute to reducing the likelihood of verrucae reoccurring. Regular foot inspections can help in identifying any new verrucae early, enabling prompt intervention to prevent their spread and recurrence.
The lifespan of a verruca, commonly known as a wart, can vary from person to person. In many cases, verrucae can last for a few months to a few years if left untreated. However, with proper treatment, such as over-the-counter medications, verruca needling or surgery, verrucae can be eliminated within weeks or months. It’s important to note that verrucae are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and their duration can be influenced by factors such as the individual’s immune system, the location of the verruca, and the chosen treatment method. Seeking advice from a Podiatrist can provide personalised guidance on effectively managing and eliminating verrucae.
VERRUCA TREATMENT IN BEDFORD WITH MYFOOTMEDIC
At MyFootMedic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals dealing with verrucae. Our range of specialised services, including foot health checks, acid treatment, verruca needling, and verruca surgery, ensures that we can tailor our approach to best address your specific needs.
By booking an appointment with our experienced podiatrists, you can be confident in receiving a thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and individualised treatment for your verruca. Whether you require non-invasive treatments or more advanced procedures such as verruca removal surgery, our team is committed to guiding you towards effective and personalised solutions.
Take the first step towards reclaiming your foot health by scheduling an appointment with MyFootMedic today. Let us support you in managing and treating your verrucae, so you can enjoy greater comfort and confidence in your everyday activities.
